Greensburg

Join Planet Green as they document the historic rebuilding of Greensburg. The rural town on the plains of Kansas vividly demonstrates that sustainable, eco-friendly building is an imperative path to the future.

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Greensburg Episode: A Town Reborn

A massive EF5 tornado, one of the largest to touch down in United States history heads towards the tiny town of Greensburg, Kansas. The air sirens are muffled by the deafening sound of a town collapsing. When the storm + READ MORE

Greensburg Episode: The Crossroads

Two and a half years after the tornado, Greensburg is looking more like a town. Homes are being built and a LEED platinum City Hall and Business Incubator are completed, but not everyone likes the modern look of the public + READ MORE

Greensburg Episode: The Big Well

Susan and Scott Reinecke have paid for their new home in full, but since their contractor filed for bankruptcy, a subcontractor came after the Reineckes for $35,000 in unpaid bills. Fortunately, the subcontractor?s 10-day lien has been extended and + READ MORE

Greensburg Episode: This is Home

Ninety-five percent of the homes and business in Greensburg were destroyed by the 2007 tornado. The five percent of homes that were only damaged are on the East side of town. Shirley Butler and her husband, Rex, live in a + READ MORE

Greensburg: A Final Look

Catch the final season of Greensburg. Four one-hour episodes premiere May 2nd and May 3rd, starting at 8/7c each night. Have you met the people of Greensburg and heard about their efforts to green their town? Now comes the must-see + READ MORE

Discover Greensburg: Special Anniversary

May 4, 2009 marks the second anniversary since Greensburg was devastated by a tornado in 2007. In the Greensburg episode "Second Anniversary", the town accomplishes several new milestones and takes several more steps toward a new, greener, Greensburg. Many people + READ MORE

Discover Greensburg: The Twilight Theater

A community needs a lot of things. It needs a means to ensure its safety and security. It needs access to food, water, and health care. It needs some form of governance. It also needs a means of communicating, both + READ MORE

Pastor Lawson and Volunteers Start a Community Garden in Greensburg (Video)

In the Greensburg episode "Special Anniversary", Pastor T.J. Lawson, his wife Julie, and a group of volunteers start a community garden in hopes of bringing the community together. Town residents and volunteers are building the beds and getting the plots + READ MORE

Greensburg Season 2, Episode 6: Second Anniversary

The last trailers from FEMAville are removed forcing the Engelkens to move in with relatives until their home is completed. The founding members of the Green Club graduate from high school. The most sustainable John Deere dealership in the country + READ MORE

Greensburg's Green Club Gives the Silo Eco-Home a Green Roof (Video)

In the Greensburg episode "Second Anniversary", The Silo Eco-Home is nearly complete—all it needs now is a green roof. Named after one of the few structures left standing after the tornado, and built to be the strongest building in town, + READ MORE

Greensburg Season 2, Episode 5: Back in Business

The Executive Director of GreenTown, Daniel Wallach, leads the groundbreaking of the first in a series of sustainably built homes. Named after one of the few structures left standing after the tornado, the "Silo Eco-Home" gets built before our eyes. + READ MORE

Meet the People of Greensburg

Farrell and Debbie Allison, Soil Consultant and Librarian Farrell is a soil consultant and Debbie is the head librarian of Kiowa County. They lived in a beautiful Victorian home that was destroyed in the tornado. Farrell had just completed a + READ MORE

Discover Greensburg: Main Street

Greensburg's Main Street, the soon-to-be heart of the town is coming along in its reconstruction, but not as quickly as some had hoped. Many wanted Main Street to ready for the Grand Opening on May 21st, but the streetscape is + READ MORE

Greensburg Season 2, Episode 4: Main Street

As the SunChips Business Incubator nears completion Main Street is torn up to create a new streetscape. The Green Club Kids take photos around town to post on the Greensburg Facebook fan site to display the comparison of Greensburg's + READ MORE

Discover Greensburg: One Step Forward (Video)

The residents of Greensburg, Kansas celebrate the next big step in their road to completion?a new grocery store. A basic need for any town, this is one 'luxury' that Greensburg families have done without since the town was destroyed by + READ MORE

Greensburg Season 2, Episode 3: One Step Forward

Greensburg has been without a grocery store since the storm and Mary Merhoff can hardly wait for the new Dillons to open. Bad weather forces the construction of the SunChips Business Incubator to veer off schedule. City Administrator Steve + READ MORE

Greensburg Season 2, Episode 2: Greensburg Goes to China

Residents Erica and Gary Goodman prepare to restore the S.D. Robinett Building, the only surviving building on Main Street in Greensburg. The "Green Club" kids gather tornado debris for an art project. A young pastor, T.J. Lawson and his wife + READ MORE

Discover Greensburg: Greensburg Goes to China

On May 4, 2007, a tornado estimated to be 1.7 miles wide brought 205 mph wind gusts through the town of Greensburg, Kansas. The tornado ripped through town, destroying many homes and buildings, then left. The survivors had no choice + READ MORE

Discover Greensburg: The Future is Now

As the historic rebuilding of Greensburg, Kansas progresses, residents and business owners are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak, with that light being solar powered of course. Greensburg's public buildings and + READ MORE

Greensburg Season 2, Episode 1: The Future is Now

The people of Greensburg come together for the groundbreaking of a sustainable school while the building of the business incubator moves ahead. City Administrator, Steve Hewitt has high hopes that the opening of the incubator will help bring local business + READ MORE

A New Season of Greensburg Returns to Planet Green!

No one thought that they could do it. But in Season 1 of Greensburg, they proved everyone wrong. Not only has Greensburg rebuilt after a tornado leveled this tiny Kansas community, it's managed "to put the green back in Greensburg." + READ MORE

Greensburg Season 1, Episode 9: On the Road

Students from Studio 804 struggle to transport the arts center 270 miles to Greensburg during a huge rain storm. Steve Hewitt explores alternative energy ideas and the residents continue the slow process of rebuilding. Checkout the Planet Green Schedule to + READ MORE

Greensburg Season 1, Episode 10: Election

Bob Dixson and John Janssen square off for mayor in the first election since the tornado. The kids of Greensburg attend the Prom. Studio 804 shoots for LEED Platinum. Checkout the Planet Green Schedule to catch this episode of Greensburg. + READ MORE

Greensburg Season 1, Episode 7: The Primary

Elections are coming up in Greensburg and the green movement may be in jeopardy. The town gets a new water tower. Studio 804 threatens to abandon Greensburg. Checkout the Planet Green Schedule to catch this episode of Greensburg. Whether it's + READ MORE

Ron Shank: A Voice From Greensburg

Ever wonder what it is like to see your home, town and business torn asunder by a monster tornado? The clatter, the crashing, the stomach-knotting fear, the destruction, the desolation, the despair, the loss. Then to see it all rebuilt + READ MORE

Greensburg Season 1, Episode 13: Back on the Map

The town has a lot to celebrate when a once-in-a lifetime national award puts Greensburg back on the map. The last days of summer see the opening of a pool and a blow-out 4th of July party as Greensburg looks + READ MORE

Greensburg Season 1, Episode 12: Storm Watch

High School Juniors Taylor Schmidt and Shane Engleken run for class President. Studio 804 leaves town. And, a tornado threatens Greensburg once again. Checkout the Planet Green Schedule to catch this episode of Greensburg. Whether it's DIY green renovation tips + READ MORE

Greensburg Season 1, Episode 11: The Anniversary

One year after the tornado Greensburg celebrates their tragedy to triumph with a visit from President Bush. A legendary Rock and Roll band plays a benefit concert and a surprise celebrity donates enough money to fill the business incubator's funding + READ MORE

Greensburg Webisode, Vol. 11: Shane's Car

This webisode finds Shane Engelken hard at work building a cabin for his 82-year-old grandfather. Since he did not qualify for the low-income apartments in town, Shane's family decided to build him a log cabin, something Shane's grandfather has always + READ MORE

Greensburg Webisode, Vol. 10: Shane's House

Shane gets put to work building his new house side by side with the construction workers. He learns about and explains the durable and eco-friendly concrete insulation system the builders use, which takes advantage of the relatively consistent ground temperature + READ MORE

Greensburg Webisode, Vol. 9: Heston Trees

More than 50 residents of Heston, a town in Kansas that was devastated by tornado 18 years ago, arrive in Greensburg to help plant three varieties of trees. The spirit of community, positive addition of shade and green life and + READ MORE

Greensburg Webisode, Vol. 8: The Big Well

Andrew spots and investigates a mysterious fire near the Big Well, the world's largest hand-dug well and one of the eight wonders of Kansas. He looks on as the new Big Well gift shop is built, after being destroyed + READ MORE

Greensburg Webisode, Vol. 7: High School Nostalgia

Shane and Andrew take a trip to their former high school. They walk through the grounds, taking note of the torn up running track and the numerous storm shelters. Check it out here. Stay tuned, more to come! + READ MORE

Greensburg Season 1, Episode 8: Hoop Dreams

The primary results point to a change in direction for Greensburg. The school basketball team tries to make it to the State Championship. Steve Hewitt worries about the future of the green initiatives. Checkout the Planet Green Schedule to catch + READ MORE

Greensburg Webisode, Vol. 6: Shane Gets Stitches

After Shane slips into an open manhole, Shane and Andrew head to the emergency room. There we see the hospital infrastructure is still operating out of trailers and tents several weeks after the tornado. Check it out here. Stay + READ MORE

Greensburg Webisode, Vol. 5: State of the Union

Shane and Andrew examine the spot where Shane's house used to be before the tornado destroyed it. Greensburg City Administrator Steve Hewitt talks to Shane and Andrew about his trip to DC, his invitation to watch the State of + READ MORE

Greensburg Season 1, Episode 6: Mini Greenbuild

Greensburg City Manager Steve Hewitt, feels the pressure to find funds to build green. Without the support of more outside players Greensburg will never reach their goal of sustainable building. With the eyes of the nation on this one stop + READ MORE

Greensburg Season 1, Episode 5: State of the Union

Greensburg is on the map and City Manager Steve Hewitt gets a surprise invitation from the White House. The townspeople are touched by corporate sponsors who help bring the town back to life by generous donations from John Deere and + READ MORE

Greensburg Webisode, Vol. 4: KwikShop

Shane Engelken takes us on a tour of the KwikShop. The KwikShop is one of the most important places in Greensburg; since the tornado, it is the only place people can go to buy groceries and other necessities. Check + READ MORE

Greensburg Webisode, Vol. 3: Eric in Chicago

Greensburg High School Senior, Eric White takes his camera to Chicago for the Greenbuild Conference. The small town kids enjoy a trip to the windy city, and are blown away by all the "green" ideas they find. Of course they + READ MORE

Greensburg Season 1, Episode 4: Ice Storm

It's Christmas in Greensburg and an ice storm has swept over the town, stopping rebuilding and giving the residents one more problem to overcome. Communication is as frozen as the trees on Main Street and people don?t feel connected to + READ MORE

Greensburg Season 1, Episode 3: The Building Begins

The rebuilding of Greensburg is slow going. With little money and scarce materials the town struggles to not only come back but build back greener and stronger. Despite the many obstacles, buildings are going up and Steve Hewitt, city administrator, + READ MORE

Greensburg Season 1, Episode 2: Homecoming

Four months after a tornado wiped out the town of Greensburg, the 1400 residents have no homes to come back to, only FEMA trailers. The residents try to get their home town spirit back with a homecoming parade and football + READ MORE

Greensburg Season 1, Episode 1: The Tornado

On May 4, 2007, the small town of Greensburg, Kansas, was annihilated by an F5 tornado. Almost every building was destroyed leaving the townspeople with the big question?Do we stay or go? Meet them all in this premier episode of + READ MORE

Children's Hospital Goes Green

By Brian Merchant As we saw on Greensburg, the most unlikely buildings are going up green?even the church! But Greensburg isn't the only place that's building with green in mind. A children's hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, has unveiled green plans + READ MORE

Greensburg Webisode, Vol. 1: A New Assignment

Greensburg High School teacher Marshall Ballard tells the kids about their NEW assignment ... webisodes. Click here to watch. Stay tuned, more to come! + READ MORE

Greensburg Webisode, Vol. 2: Shane's Trailer

High School Junior Shane Engelken takes us on a tour of the FEMA trailer where he and his parents have been living since the tornado. The tiny trailer is a tight fit! Check it out here. Stay tuned, more to + READ MORE

Greenwashing

By Mickey Z. Wanna drive an environmentally responsible car? Simple: Paint it green and call it a "hybrid." By the same logic, Judas Priest has written an eco-classic and Greenland is the world's enviro standard bearer. If all this sounds + READ MORE

Support Small Farms - Eating Green is Easy

By Brian Merchant On Greensburg, city manager Steve Hewitt decides to rebuild his devastated city green. He says one of the main inspirations for going green is that Greensburg is an agriculture town and that it's in the town's spirit + READ MORE

NASCAR Champ Jeff Gordon in Greensburg

NASCAR's four-time champ Jeff Gordon is zipping into Greensburg for the groundbreaking for eight homes, including two for Habitat for Humanity. His sponsor, Dupont, is kicking in a $750,000 pile of building materials for the project, part of the green + READ MORE

Greensburg Government

STEVE HEWITT, City Administrator After the tornado, when many people thought the town of Greensburg would be abandoned, Steve Hewitt demonstrated his conviction that the town could be rebuilt by taking the reins and helping to organize the effort. Leading + READ MORE

Greensburg Future

SHANE ENGELKEN, High School JuniorIn addition to being one of Greenburg's star athletes, Shane is a member of the GreenClub and also is an aspiring filmmaker/editor. Along with his friend and fellow teammate, Eric White, Shane is documenting the lives + READ MORE

Greensburg Homebuilders

FARRELL AND DEBBIE ALLISON, Soil Consultant and Librarian Farrell is a soil consultant and Debbie is the head librarian of Kiowa County. They lived in a beautiful Victorian home that was destroyed in the tornado. Farrell had just completed a + READ MORE

Greensburg Families

THE BROWNS Marilyn and Robin Brown and their daughter, Kodi Lynn, live in a FEMA trailer and are in the process of rebuilding their home green. Marilyn works in the county appraiser's office. The family is having financial issues with + READ MORE

Greensburg Business

MIKE AND KELLY ESTES, Brothers The Estes brothers don't live in Greensburg but they own the local John Deere dealership there and they want to develop a state-of-the-art "total green" dealership. The Estes are extremely successful businessmen and are very + READ MORE

Greensburg Caretakers

DARIN HEADRICK, School Superintendent Darin was one of the first Greensburg citizens to rethink the town as an entirely green town. He recognized the need to establish some sort of school facility in order to keep the town and families + READ MORE

Greensburg Visionaries

STEVE HEWITT, The "Idealist"Steve Hewitt is the City Administrator of Greensburg, Kansas. He was born in Greensburg where he lives with his wife Kim and their 2-year-old son. He's leading the charge for rebuilding his town as a "green" town. + READ MORE

On the Scene in Greensburg

With more than 1,500 people displaced by a tornado and scores waiting to return to their homes, Pilgrim Films is on the ground in Greensburg, KS creating a documentary of the destruction and green rebirth of the town. Pilgrim Films + READ MORE

Greensburg: One Year Later

Sunday May 4th, 2008 is a big day for the citizens of Greensburg, KS. It marks the one-year point from when their town was obliterated by a tornado measuring EF5 on the Enhanced Fujita scale. President George W. Bush visited + READ MORE

The Early Show in Greensburg

Starting Monday, April 28, CBS' The Early Show will be in Greensburg through Friday to help with the reconstruction and to document the action via their series, "Tragedy to Triumph: Greensburg Rising." The show will tell stories of the Greensburg + READ MORE

The People of Greensburg Need Your Help

 On May 4, 2007, the small town of Greensburg, Kansas was virtually decimated by a tornado. One devastating result was the loss of nearly 95% of the trees in the town. What once was green and lush is now brown + READ MORE

About the Show

On May 4, 2007, a deadly tornado struck Greensburg, Kansas, ripping the town to shreds. Ninety-five percent of the town was destroyed, eleven lives were tragically lost, and survivors were left without homes, businesses, schools and basic city services. Greensburg + READ MORE

Greensburg Photos

Here is a tiny glimpse at some of the people and scenes of Greensburg, Kansas. Their homes have been destroyed and are in different stages of destruction, repair and rebuild. The journey to reclaim their homes is a hard one, + READ MORE